This monthly workshop series is designed to bring whirling enthusiasts together, making it a shared and evolving experience. It is open to advanced whirlers and complete beginners, bringing together movement, connection, and community.   Each month, Ziya Azazi and guest teachers will guide participants through an immersive two-day workshop, integrating techniques, self-discovery, and the joy of whirling. Through this, we are making Vienna the meeting point for whirlers from around the world!   If you’re new to spinning, we will guide you step by step, sharing everything you need to start feeling comfortable and confident in your movement.   OUR 1+1 SPECIAL INVITATION If you’re already an experienced DIP whirler, you are welcome to join alone, but – event better – bring a beginner for free, whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or someone completely new to whirling. This is a great chance to introduce them to the practice and expand the whirling community together! One fee covers both you and your guest.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN EACH WORKSHOP? Warm-up & preparation exercises – Connecting with body and breath. Technical refinement – Helping advanced whirlers deepen their practice. Introduction for beginners – A structured, welcoming start for new participants. Long whirling sessions – Accompanied by a variety of musical selections. Integration & rest – A reflective closing to absorb the experience.   DATES & TIMES Saturdays & Sundays 12pm - 5pm   March 29-30 – Led by Anna Rita Cedroni April 19-20 – Led by Ziya Azazi (Easter Workshop) May 24-25 – Led by Jacqueline Frick June 28-29 – Led by Anna Rita Cedroni   * July will be announced   August 30-31 – Led by Anna Rita Cedroni September 20-21 – Led by Jacqueline Frick October 25-26 – Led by Ziya Azazi November 22-23 – Led by A.R. Cedroni & J. Frick   * December will be announced   Workshop Languages Workshops will be held in German & English.   Venue Arashi Collective, Alte WU, HS 0.5, Augasse 2-6, 1090 Vienna Subway Station SPITTELAU   Workshop Fees 200 € (Workshops by guest teachers) 250 € (Workshops by Ziya Azazi) DIP Flow Pass (3 Workshops) → 550€ DIP Deep Dive Pass (5 Workshops) → 880€ Advanced whirlers can bring a beginner for free (limited contingent!) If you’re bringing a guest, please let us know in advance.   Guest Teachers   Jacqueline Frick Jacqueline is a psychologist, dance & movement therapist, and oriental dance instructor from Switzerland. Her whirling journey began in 2007, and she has been performing intensely for the past decade. Teaching whirling regularly, Dervish in Progress became her primary approach seven years ago. Her sessions focus on creativity, self-expression, and emotional depth, helping participants explore their movement with greater awareness.   Anna Rita Cedroni Anna Rita is an Italian dancer, movement instructor, manager, and architect. With a background in classical ballet, she developed a unique approach to the performing arts, integrating contemporary dance with Butoh, Axis Syllabus, and Dervish in Progress (DIP). She works as a producer for various dance companies while performing and dramaturging across Europe. After intensive study, she completed the DIPTEP (Teaching Educational Program/Core Data) and now integrates Sport Sciences into her practice, embracing Dervish Dance as a path to embodied awareness and transformation.   Contact, Registration & Questions Ziya Azazi | dervishinprogress@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +43 660 5860660 Anna Rita Cedroni | ritainmotion4art@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +43 650 6467746 Jacqueline Frick | info@rahil.ch | WhatsApp: +41 76 2333477

Ziya Azazi, renowned artist and founder of Dervish in Progress (DIP), is delighted to announce the International DIP Masterclass Residency in the enchanting village of Agios Lavrentios, Greece. Scheduled for 14th to 22nd June 2025, this transformative program is organized in collaboration with Alexandros Seitaridis and the Fortunati art & tech company. This masterclass offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-exploration, artistic growth, and immersion in the art of whirling.   Essential Details   - Dates: 14 – 22 June 2025 - Check-in: 14th June at 5:00 PM - Check-out: 22nd June at 11:00 AM - Fee: €690 (includes VAT, accommodation, breakfast, and training) - Early Bird Discount: €640 (for bookings made by 14th February 2025) - Booking Deadline: 14th May 2025 - Limited Places: A maximum of 16 participants ensures an intimate and focused learning experience. Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €100.   About the Workshop   This 60-hour masterclass is carefully designed for participants already familiar with the basic DIP terminology and with prior experience in whirling. It provides a focused and immersive learning experience, offering a comprehensive approach to the art and philosophy of whirling. The program emphasizes personal transformation through movement, discipline, and creative expression.   Program Highlights   - Morning hikes and exercises: Start each day with hikes, mindfulness practices, stretching, and strength training in the serene landscapes of Agios Lavrentios. - Dervish Tango: Discover a unique fusion of traditional whirling and tango, focusing on fluidity and grace. - Exploring the Skirts: Dive into the symbolic and practical role of skirts in DIP, enhancing both the visual and spiritual dimensions of your practice. - Performing DIP: Develop your performance skills, combining precise techniques with expressive storytelling. - Masterclass sessions: Two daily sessions—one focusing on practical application and the other on deeper, transcendental exploration. - Personalized learning: Benefit from feedback, Q&A sessions, and tailored guidance to refine your understanding and skills. - Delicious refreshments: Enjoy daily treats with tea, coffee, and soft drinks to sustain your energy throughout the day.   About the Residency Accommodation and Breakfast Arrangements   Participants will stay together for 8 nights in a charming old house located in the picturesque village of Agios Lavrentios. This setup is thoughtfully designed to cultivate a strong sense of community and mutual support among participants during the masterclass. By living together under one roof, sharing meals, and collaborating on daily tasks, participants have the opportunity to form meaningful connections, learn from one another, and develop a sense of collective responsibility.This immersive communal experience lays the foundation for friendships and professional connections that may extend far beyond the duration of the program. Breakfast will be a shared effort to create a welcoming and communal experience.     Payment and Registration   1. Fill in the Registration Form: Start by completing the application form provided on our website: https://dip.fortunati.gr (Ensure all required fields are filled out accurately=. 2. Wait for Approval Email: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an approval email. This email will confirm your acceptance and include an online payment link. 3. Make Your Payment: Click on the payment link in the email to securely pay the deposit of €100 using a credit or debit card, or transfer the deposit directly to the provided bank account details. 4. Confirmation: After your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with details of your successful enrollment.   If you encounter any issues during the process, feel free to contact us for assistance. For more information you can visit our website: https://dip.fortunati.gr   Production Managers   Eleni Voyiatzidou & Alexandros Seitaridis Fortunati Art & Tech Co. Contact E-mail: info@fortunati.gr    We look forward to welcoming you to Agios Lavrentios in June 2025!  

Date: 3rd - 6th July 2025 Location: Volkshaus Perau, Burgenlandstraße 16a, 9500 Villach, Carinthia, Austria   "Whirling is not about losing oneself; it’s about finding a centre where the body, mind, and emotions align with a deeper truth. It’s where stillness and movement merge, allowing transformation to happen naturally." – Ziya Azazi   A Transformative Experience Awaits   For the first time, Dervish in Progress (DIP) is bringing its renowned whirling retreat to the beautiful and serene town of Villach, Carinthia, Austria. This four-day immersive retreat, taking place from July 3rd to July 6th, 2025, is designed to welcome both beginners and advanced practitioners into a shared space of exploration, alignment, and transformation. In today’s fast-paced, multidimensional world, we often find ourselves navigating what can feel like an overwhelming reality—multi-temporal, multi-special, and multi-skilled. As we adapt to these complexities, it becomes crucial to regularly recalibrate our body, mind, and emotions. Whirling, as practiced in DIP, offers a profound pathway for this recalibration, serving as a vehicle for inner balance, alignment, and renewal. In 2025, DIP is expanding its global presence with a significantly increased number of events, driven by its mission to reach and impact more lives. This retreat is not merely an introduction to whirling but an opportunity to step into a deeper connection with oneself and others, supported by the transformative guidance of Ziya Azazi.   Why Whirling?   Neuroscience highlights the transformative power of rhythmic movement in enhancing neuroplasticity, regulating emotions, and fostering resilience. Whirling, in particular, combines these benefits with profound spiritual insights, creating a practice that nourishes both the mind and soul. DIP is dedicated to making whirling accessible to everyone, especially in this era of multi-dimensional living. By introducing regular practices of alignment and balance, individuals can better navigate the complexities of modern life, finding a stable centre amidst the chaos.   Structure of the Retreat   Day 1 (Thursday, July 3): - For Beginners: New participants will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of whirling, referred to in DIP as the EQUATION, which emphasizes essential principles like balance, focus, and movement alignment. Beginners will also experience their first whirling session, guided with clarity and care. - For Advanced Participants: Advanced DIP participants are welcome to join from the first day to immerse themselves in the retreat’s practices. However, they may also choose to arrive on Day 2 (Friday, July 4) if preferred.   Days 2–4 (July 4–6): From Friday onward, all participants—beginners and advanced practitioners alike—will come together to embark on a collective journey. Under the expert guidance of Ziya Azazi, participants will explore the theories and practices of DIP, delving into the vast and unknown dimensions of the spinning world. Daily Activities Include: - Whirling sessions designed to develop physical alignment, stamina, and presence. - Guided exercises to cultivate body awareness and inner balance. - Insights into the philosophy, mechanics, and spirituality of whirling. - Opportunities for quiet reflection and connection with Villach’s natural beauty.     Practical Information Dates: July 3rd to July 6th, 2025 Location: Volkshaus Perau, Burgerlandstraße 16a, 9500 Villach, Carinthia, Austria https://volkshaeuservillach.at/veranstaltungshaeuser/volkshaus-perau/   Accommodation For accommodations, we suggest the comfortable and welcoming Family–Youth Hostel in Villach: https://www.hiyou.at/en/villach-e/ Single, double, triple, and group rooms are available. Please check availability and prices in advance and mention for reservation: Association mind.set https://www.oejhv.at/wp-content/uploads/Villach-Preise-2025-E.pdf   Fees (VAT & accommodation not included): - €380 – Regular participants - €350 – DIP community members & members of Mind.Set Association - €320 – DIP-TEP graduates & students   Payment Details: - Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €100 filling the google form: https://forms.gle/joozgvmcv7gDP9sH7 - Snacks and beverages (tea, coffee) will be provided throughout the retreat.   Contact Information For questions or assistance, please contact: office@mind-set.jetzt Charly & Hubert:   +43 676 4227717 or  Anna Rita:  +43 650 6467746   Ziya Azazi: A Visionary in Movement   Ziya Azazi is an internationally acclaimed performer and teacher, renowned for his innovative approach to whirling practices. Born in Antakya, Turkey, he brings over 20 years of experience in blending traditional and contemporary dance forms. Through extensive research, Ziya has developed Dervish in Progress (DIP), a modern interpretation of whirling that emphasizes individual transformation, alignment, and inner connection. Ziya’s work has been featured in prestigious festivals and events across more than 55 countries. His unique methods integrate the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of whirling, offering practitioners a profound journey into the vast unknown of their being.   Join Us This retreat offers a rare opportunity to experience whirling as a tool for profound self-discovery and transformation. In the supportive space of the DIP community, guided by Ziya Azazi, you will explore movement, stillness, and the rich inner landscapes of your being. Whether you are new to whirling or an experienced practitioner, this retreat is an invitation to pause, recalibrate, and rediscover the power of connection—within yourself and with the vast unknown. Take the step to join us in Villach and immerse yourself in this transformative journey. Reserve your spot today and experience the balance, clarity, and joy that await!

Transformation Through Whirling (Beginners Only)   This year, my purpose is clear: to open the doors wide—only for beginners! Because we need more whirling people in this flipping-out, fast-pacing reality!   I warmly invite you to join me for a five-day workshop during the first week of ImPulsTanz 2025, where we’ll dive into the transformative power of spinning. Whether you're seeking personal discovery, physical release, or a fresh perspective on movement and being—this is your chance to start. No prior experience is needed—just your curiosity, your body, and the willingness to turn.   About ImPulsTanz   ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival is one of the world’s leading festivals for contemporary dance and performance. Every summer, Vienna becomes a vibrant meeting point for dance professionals, emerging artists, and curious movers from around the globe. With over 200 workshops, groundbreaking performances, and late-night gatherings, ImPulsTanz has become an inspiring melting pot where movement, music, and dialogue flow freely through every space it touches—from grand stages to grassroots studios.   DIP & ImPulsTanz: A Longstanding Dance Dialogue   Since 2013, Dervish in Progress (DIP) has been a regular part of ImPulsTanz, offering unique workshops that merge contemporary movement with the ancient art of whirling. Over more than a decade, hundreds of participants from all walks of life have experienced the physical, emotional, and mental transformations that whirling practice brings.   About This Workshop   This beginners-only workshop is a rare invitation to step into a world you may not know—yet. Whirling is not only about turning—it’s about tuning into your own body, emotions, and thoughts in motion. I especially encourage young movers who are ready to expand their physical, emotional, and mental skills in dance to take this opportunity. This is your moment to discover a practice that connects presence with play, rhythm with release, and movement with meaning.   Spinning alone, with a partner, or in a group opens new inner landscapes. Entering the spinning state offers an abstract journey through self-awareness and surrender, often unlocking realizations that extend far beyond the dance floor. This class will be a supportive, exploratory space where no one is expected to know, but everyone is invited to feel.   Dates: 14.7.–18.7.2025 Time: 17:30–20:00 Location: Arsenal, Objekt 19, 1030 Vienna Detailed info & booking link: https://www.impulstanz.com/en/workshops/pid6851/ Contact: +43 1 235 00 22 · workshopoffice@impulstanz.com   “Don't become passengers, stay pilot. In whirling, as in life, take the lead to meet yourself in motion.”

Solo Performance by Ziya Azazi Date: 24 July 2025 Venue: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta (179, 86 Triq Il-Merkanti, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta) Duration: 15 minutes   “Movement is a language through which not only the body, but all layers of our being can transform."   Performance Description Ziya Azazi will present a short solo version of Dervish in Progress as part of this year’s Malta Dance Festival.   Dervish in Progress (DIP) is a high-energy performance that reimagines traditional Sufi whirling through a contemporary physical and emotional lens. In just 15 minutes, this solo invites the audience into a powerful inner journey—an active meditation shaped by repetition, speed, and circular flow.   In this piece, the skirts are not just costumes; they are partners in the dance—symbols of freedom, surrender, and transformation. Each spin becomes a step toward awareness; each spiral, a leap in consciousness. DIP is not a fixed ritual—it’s a celebration of movement, existence, and growth in the here and now.   About Dervish in Progress   Dervish in Progress (DIP) is not only a performance but also a vision. Founded by Ziya Azazi, DIP frees Sufi whirling from traditional structures and reshapes it with an open, dynamic, and transformative spirit.   Through workshops, retreats, masterclasses, and the educational program DIPTEP (Dervish in Progress Teacher Education Program), the DIP vision continues to inspire people across the world. While these events share the depth of the method, the solo performance Dervish in Progress keeps whirling its way around international stages—with power, authenticity, and a deep sense of presence.   DIP invites artists, movers, and seekers to explore whirling as a modern path to self-discovery and transformation.   About Ziya Azazi   Ziya Azazi is an Austria–Turkey-based choreographer and performer internationally known for his bold and contemporary interpretations of Sufi whirling. With a background in gymnastics and contemporary dance, he has spent over twenty-five years redefining whirling as a deeply personal and physical form of expression.   His signature works—Dervish, DIP, and Ember—have been performed in more than 50 countries. He has led workshops in over 35 countries worldwide. Through the DIP practice and the DIPTEP program, he continues to develop whirling as a living art form, active meditation, and a unique tool for personal and artistic growth.   Credits   Concept / Choreography / Performance: Ziya Azazi Music: “Hayalname,” “Vefaname,” and “Nar-i Seher” – Mercan Dede Lighting Design: Lutz Deppe Costume Design: Ischiko   "Whirling is not just about turning—it's about syncing with everything and everyone life places in our path. It's how we experience motion and discover what it means to truly center ourselves." – DIP  

Transformation Through Whirling Date: 27th July | Time: 3:00pm | Duration: 120 mins Location: The Dance Workshop, G'Mangia, Studio DW1   Class Description: Dervish in Progress (DIP) is a dynamic movement workshop aimed at enhancing physical, mental, and emotional awareness through whirling. Created by Ziya Azazi, the method provides a structured yet flowing environment for participants to explore personal boundaries, balance, and spatial perception. The workshop unfolds in three phases: a warm-up with stretching and breathing to foster focus and control; awareness training incorporating floor work, acrobatics, and improvisation to develop sensory and spatial awareness; and a final whirling session with individual and group spinning exercises to improve coordination, energy use, and integration of body and mind. Spinning induces a state of dizziness that encourages participants to let go of control, embrace uncertainty, and expand self-awareness. This holistic process promotes mental clarity, physical flexibility, and emotional strength.   Workshop Target Audience: DIP welcomes anyone interested in movement and personal development—dancers, performers, athletes, yoga or meditation practitioners, and newcomers to whirling alike.   Level of Experience Required: No prior experience is necessary—just openness to explore oneself.   Genre of Performance: A contemporary interpretation of traditional Sufi whirling.   Workshop Led by: Ziya Azazi is an acclaimed dancer and choreographer celebrated for his contemporary interpretations of whirling. Born in Turkey and based in Europe, he has spent over two decades evolving Sufi whirling into a powerful, expressive, and physical art form. With roots in gymnastics and dance, Azazi fuses ancient traditions with modern movement, creating performances that are both boundary-pushing and deeply reflective. His signature pieces, including Dervish in Progress and Ember, focus on transformation, freedom, and self-discovery. Azazi has performed and taught in more than 55 countries, working with leading festivals, institutions, and artists. Through DIP, he continues to promote whirling as both a meditative practice and a contemporary performance language.

We are thrilled to welcome Ziya Azazi back to Toplocentrala on July 29, 30, and 31, 2024, for a special evening of movement, energy, and transformation. This time, he brings us two of his most iconic solo performances—Dervish in Progress (DIP) and Ember—which, when performed together, create a deeply immersive experience.   A Look into Ziya Azazi’s Repertoire   Following his full-length performance DERVISH last year and his latest work PIETA 2.0, premiered in January, this combination offers a new perspective through two of his earlier works. With DIP and Ember, Azazi once again challenges movement, tradition, and expression, giving the audience a completely different experience.   Dervish in Progress – The Evolution of Whirling   Dervish in Progress is a meeting point between Sufi whirling and contemporary movement, where tradition transforms into personal expression. Here, Azazi invites us to witness whirling as a living, breathing art form—a practice that carries centuries of wisdom yet remains open to evolution. At the heart of the performance is the skirt—not just a costume, but an extension of his body, his dance partner, his protection, and his freedom. With every turn, it shifts and transforms, just like the journey of self-discovery itself. Through repetition and rhythm, movement becomes meditation, leading both performer and audience into a space of deep awareness.   Ember – Fire, Knowledge, and the Cycle of Existence   While DIP focuses on inner transformation, Ember takes us further—into the raw reality of human struggle, enlightenment, and destruction. Here, Azazi explores the fragility of knowledge, showing how what once guided us can also limit and consume us. Fire takes center stage—not just as an element, but as a symbol of wisdom, creation, and chaos. In Ember, spinning becomes survival, a way to navigate the endless cycles of life and death, creation and collapse.   A Powerful Double Performance   Together, Dervish in Progress and Ember move from the meditative stillness of whirling to the explosive intensity of fire, offering a profound contrast that questions tradition, progress, and the delicate balance between freedom and self-destruction.   Azazi doesn’t just perform—he invites us into an experience, where movement is philosophy, fire is a metaphor, and whirling is a path to deeper understanding.   📍 Venue: Toplocentrala, Sofia, Bulgaria 📅 Dates: July 29, 30, 31, 2025   This is more than a performance—it’s an invitation to feel, reflect, and transform

“Whirling is a journey where awareness expands. When the body, mind, and soul align, movement becomes meditation, and meditation transforms into evolution.”   We are excited to restart DIPTEP (Dervish in Progress Teacher Education Program) this August in Sofia, Bulgaria, hosted by ToploCentrala. This program combines scientific understanding with spiritual depth, integrating theory and practice to help participants develop a deeper connection with their body, emotions, and mind.   In today’s fast-moving world, DIPTEP is designed to give a clear and structured understanding of whirling, covering both its physical mechanics and deeper experiential aspects. It goes beyond just movement, exploring how whirling can be an accessible and sustainable practice for both personal and professional development. To support this, DIPTEP introduces a unique terminology to explain key concepts and uses free-form whirling as a practical tool to build skill, confidence, and awareness.   Dervish in Progress (DIP): A Contemporary Approach to Whirling & Life   DIP is a multi-layered discipline—a contemporary approach to whirling, rooted in the ancient Sufi tradition. It fosters exploration, transformation, and self-mastery across physical, intellectual, and emotional dimensions, enriching personal, relational, professional, and social aspects of life. Accessible to all, DIP has evolved from 30 years of artistic and explorational research in over 50 countries, continuously shaped by scientific and philosophical inquiry. Through performances, workshops, presentations, and retreats, this vision has inspired and engaged tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. Click for YouTube Channel   At its core, DIP is based on the principle that each individual is an artist, actively shaping their own life into a meaningful and evolving creation. With this perspective, we continually seek effective tools for self-development and refinement. In DIPTEP, whirling is taught as an contemporary instrument for transformation. This program, grounded in practice-based learning, trust& transparency, and mindful exploration, encourages participants to engage critically and apply knowledge with clarity and purpose.

You can access the PDF files containing the list of events Ziya Azazi has performed in previous years through the following links:   To access our current event lists and register, you can use the 'BOOKING NOW' button.   Past Events in 2023  Past Events in 2024